10 Best Portable Fire Pit Reviews and Comparison

    Best Portable Fire Pit

    A portable fire pit is useful to have around when you want a heating source or cooking platform on the go;

    Whether you’re tailgating, on the beach, or camping.

    10 Best Portable Fire Pit Comparison Table:

    Here are the 10 best portable fire pits!

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    The best portable outdoor fire pits are wood-burning or propane gas fire pits and feature a lightweight design that not only provides heat and cooking options but is also quick to set up and disassemble.

    We’ve identified the 10 best portable fire pits to provide warmth, cook on the beach, prepare a meal when camping or in our backyard with friends and relatives.

    Best Portable Fire Pit Reviews:

    1. Solo Stove, Bonfire Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Solo Stove, Bonfire Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This wood-burning, low smoke, and portable stove are ideal for patios, backyards, porches, and also tailgating.

    The purchase comes complete with a durable carry case/cover.

    It has a double-wall, which equals more flames and less smoke.

    It burns the wood more efficiently with less smoke and ashes to throw away. 

    We picked this as the editor’s choice as it such an efficient stove, all the wood is burned with minimum amounts of ash and smoke.

    It is simply awesome at burning wood, it is highly portable, and all we need to find is a level surface to put it on.

    It is the ultimate in portable outdoor fire pits, better than a lot of propane gas fire pits.

    PROS

    • It leaves little ash and emits small amounts of smoke 
    • It does not need any other accessories
    • Lightweight design

    CONS

    • It could give off more heat 
    • Costs more yet impressive performance

    2. Heininger, 5995 Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Heininger, 5995 Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    The Heininger is an efficient fire pit for camping use, backyards, patios as well as tailgating.

    It includes a fire bowl, 10-foot hose, and regulator.

    The total diameter is 19 inches and it is made of lightweight metal. 

    I like how much heat this little propane fire pit gives out, it adds real warmth to campfires on a cool evening.

    I regularly use this for camping, especially if I know that it will not be convenient to find enough fuel to use a portable wood-burning fire pit.

    PROS

    • Light and portable 
    • Smoke free warmth
    • Warming fire even on a slow setting

    CONS

    • There is no igniter built in 
    • Remember to have the propane released slowly otherwise the safety review will cut the supply

    Related: Best Fire Pit – Top 12 Fire Pit Reviews and Guide

    3. Campfire Defender Protect Preserve, Pop-Up Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Campfire Defender Protect Preserve

    This is a truly portable Pop-Up Firepit, 24 inches by 24 inches, and weighing 8 lbs.

    Made from strong stainless steel means that it will not rust.

    It sets up in 1 minute and can be out away 90 seconds after the fire has been put out. 

    We were curious about how quickly you could put up the fire pit and how fast it could be put away after use.

    We found that the claims were right, a super-fast portable fire pit for sure.

    It burns everything rapidly and with hardly any smoke.

    PROS

    • A perfect airflow system means it is visually smoke-free 
    • It is highly portable and weighs less than a camp chair
    • Take it on the beach or into the woods

    CONS

    • The corners of the ember tray are sharp 
    • The carry bag could be made of thicker material

    4. UCO, Flatpack Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    UCO, Flatpack Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    The UCO is available in regular and mini sizes.

    The regular is 13 inches by 10 inches, and the mini is 9 inches by 6.75 inches in terms of the grilling area.

    Either size I can be set him in 30 seconds, and the mini weighs a mere 2 lbs.  

    We brought the mini UCO to try as a grill and as a portable fire pit.

    In terms of food, it can readily cook for three of us on short camping trips.

    It is good at cooking while the fire is kept away from the ground.

    PROS

    • The mini is so light at only 2 lbs (reg is 3 lbs)
    • Made from stainless steel
    • Only needs 30 seconds set up time

    CONS

    • It can move in high winds 
    • Do not use with Duraflame because of the time it will produce

    5. Outland Living, Premium Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Outland Living, Premium Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This 19-inch diameter outdoor portable propane fire pit produces an impressive output of 58,000 BTU with an auto-ignition function provided.

    It also includes a cover and a carry kit.

    That carry kit provides a 10-foot hose, a 4.4 lb natural lava set plus the carry bag. 

    I enjoy using the Outland Fire Bowl s the lava rocks make it look like a real fire without any of the smoke to breathe in, and ash to clean up.

    I have cooked with it, and also just used it as a campfire to relax around.

    Either way, I use the Outland, it is still a fine outdoor portable gas fire pit.

    PROS

    • Made from strongly constructed stainless steel with parts covered with enamel 
    • There is no smoke and no ashes to clean
    • Easy to set up without the need for tools

    CONS

    • You have to pay extra for the better quality carry bag made from vinyl 
    • It can be a lottery as to whether or not it will be damaged in transit as the packaging is not protective enough

    6. Landmann, 28347 Big Sky Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Landmann, 28347 Big Sky Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This 23.5-inch diameter portable outdoor is in black with wildlife cutouts.

    The wildlife cutouts mean it is good for nighttime campfires as a portable outdoor fire pit for camping. 

    We think that the wildlife cutouts make it extra special for camping at night.

    When we know that we are going on a camping trip with small children we take this fire pit as they love the animal cutouts in the campfire light.

    We have cooked tasty camp food and BBQ food with this reliable portable outdoor fire pit.

    PROS

    • It has a solid steel construction with a black finish for less cleaning up after use 
    • Comes with a cooking grate and has a full diameter handle, with a useful spark screen too
    • At 12.5 inches it has a deep fire bowl

    CONS

    • Best advised painting everything to prevent rust 
    • You will need to put some fire brick and sand in the bottom of the pit

    7. Landmann, 28051 Heatwave Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Landmann, 28051 Heatwave Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This portable fireplace has a steel frame and a steel spark screen complete with a cooking grate and also a wood grate.

    There is also a handy bottom shelf for storage, and the wheels make it more portable. 

    I did not buy the old version of this Landmann fireplace as I was not convinced that it was sensible to have plastic wheels.

    But I bought the new version with the steel wheels recently and it serves me well as a portable outdoor fire pit for my backyard.

    I’ve already used it a couple of times to cook BBQs in the garden, and it’s been great. 

    I’m sure it would also work well for use on a camping trip or at the beach.

    PROS

    • Really easy to assemble 
    • The spark screen goes all the way round
    • Able to cook more food due to the wide diameter

    CONS

    • Prone to rust so may have to paint all parts of it 
    • The handle gets very hot so makes sense to put more wood on at the start of the fire

    8. Rootless, Collapsing Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Rootless, Collapsing Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This is a collapsing steel mesh fireplace, which makes it ideal for use in the backyard, camping trips, and garden.

    It is lightweight and foldable to fit in the supplied carry bag.

    The portable outdoor fire pit when it is in use measures 22 inches in length, is 22 inches in width and is 12.6 inches high, the weight is 2.25 lbs including the carry bag. 

    I like this as a wood-burning highly portable outdoor fire pit for camping though I admit it looked fragile.

    I found that it goes up rapidly without having to use tools and it is good for cooking on.

    The mesh does its job so there is not much effort needed to clean it up either.

    PROS

    • Lightweight
    • The netting prevents ash, embers, and sparks going on to the floor
    • Assembles fast and no tools are required

    CONS

    • No instructions provided so have to assemble by looking at the picture on the box 
    • Once the fire has started it cannot be moved

    9. Fire Sense, Folding Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Fire Sense, Folding Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This folding portable outdoor fire pit has a 29-inch diameter and does not need tools to put it together.

    It includes a log grate, a food tool, and a cooking grate. It s made of lightweight steel. 

    We were drawn to buy it by the simplicity of the design. The steel construction is sturdy and it cooks well.

    We would only use this for camping or the beach as we would use other fire pits for BBQs.

    PROS

    • Large diameter means that it can cook more food and have a bigger fire 
    • The spark screen prevents embers and sparks damaging the floor
    • It folds easily and is lightweight

    CONS

    • The metal is too thin so only good for a couple of uses 
    • The legs cannot take too much weight

    10. Bali Outdoors, Tailgate Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    Bali Outdoors, Tailgate Portable Outdoor Fire Pit

    This tailgate-friendly gas fire pit measures 18.7 inches in length, 18.7 inches in width, and is 14.6 inches tall.

    It produces 50000 BTU, and it includes a 10-foot hose, lava rocks, and a regulator. 

    I have found this to be very powerful that provides plenty of heat and light.

    It is portable enough to be used when camping and on beaches.

    Enjoyed using it to cook for small numbers of people at camps and on beaches.

    PROS

    • The auto-ignition gets the fire going quickly 
    • Well made with stainless steel to last for a long time
    • Easy to set up anywhere outdoors

    CONS

    • In many cases the auto-ignition does not work 
    • The screw holes in the legs are not always in the right places

    Related: Fire Pit Table: Top 10 Outdoor Fire Pit Table Reviews

    Types of Fire Pits to Consider:Types of Fire Pits to Consider

    Below you can check out the important details regarding how many types and kinds of fire pits are there:

    Wood Burning Firepit:

    Firstly, we have this wood-burning fire pit for our readers. It comes in the form of a natural replica likewise you use to burn and run a campfire.

    Furthermore, these fire pits generate real smoke and you can use a variable number of woods to run them.

    Propane Fire Pits:

    Then we have these propane fire pits that are now marked as an elegant and decent variation of this concept.

    If you want to see and create alluring flames, then you can use these fire pits.

    In addition, these pits are available in an extensive number of designs. They are made of glass or rock pebbles or faux wood.

    If you plan to use a copper bowl fire pit, then you may experience longevity.

    This propane portable fire pit guarantees to ensure extreme mobility and remains lightweight.

    Gel Fuel Fire Pits:

    These fire pits show all the elements when it comes to design, style, and portability. It gives out quality flames and a maximum amount of versatility.

    For those who prefer to get a tabletop fireplace, then such a fire pit can make your room subtle looking.

    It makes your living space much enchanting looking.

    Natural Gas Fire Pits:

    The upgraded model of propane fire pits comes in the form of natural gas fire pits.

    Furthermore, these are premium-looking fireplaces that need less maintenance.

    They are either made of copper or stone or at times consist of the foundation of brick.

    Portable Fire Pit Features To Consider:Portable Fire Pit

    Portability:

    The most important feature of a portable fire pit is its portability.

    Portability, in this case, means two things: lightweight and its ease of assembly and disassembly.

    A portable fire pit is only good if it is light enough to carry to and from your car.

    Ideally, it should be light enough for one person to carry. Anything more than 30 pounds is probably too heavy.

    Material is very important here, which means fire pits made out of heavy-duty materials like cast iron are not as attractive. Stainless steel is more attractive as it is lighter weight and almost as durable.

    Some portable fire pits will even include a carrying bag for greater ease of transport.

    The design of the fire pit is also key to its ease of assembly and disassembly.

    You will not want a fire pit with too many moving parts.

    It should take less than 5 minutes to set up and disassemble the fire pit.

    Folding fire pits are popular as are fire pits with simple and singular construction.

    Durability, rust, and being weather resistant are not as important in a portable fire pit.

    You will seldom use a portable fire pit in rainy or bad weather.

    However, if you are looking for a fire pit that can be used as a backyard fire pit as well as a fire pit on the go, durability and weather resistance do become important.

    In this case, stainless steel fire pits work very well.

    Propane Gas vs Wood-Burning:

    Another feature to keep in mind is the fuel source, as it affects portability and convenience.

    Wood-burning fire pits are going to be more portable for two reasons: first, you will not need to carry around a propane tank and second, wood can more easily be found so you may not need to bring too much wood with you to the campsite.

    Wood-burning fire pits also burn hotter than propane gas fire pits which can be good for cooking.

    A portable propane fire pit will have the benefit of convenience and is smokeless.

    It is much easier to light up a propane fire pit and it will also work in rainy weather.

    In addition, it will be much easier to control the heat and flame level, which can be convenient especially when cooking or grilling.

    Deciding between a wood-burning and propane gas portable fire pit can be tricky, and it will depend on your personal comfort level between the trade-off of portability and convenience.

    If you are comfortable with starting wood fires and favor portability, go with a wood-burning fire pit.

    If you are not comfortable with starting wood fires and would rather sacrifice portability for convenience, go with a propane fire pit.

    Different Uses of a Copper Fire Pit:Different Uses of a Copper Fire Pit1

    You might be wondering what are the different uses and pros that are offered by copper fire pits, here is the gathered explanation for you:

    Use For Cooking Purpose:

    You can make use of this specific fire pit for cooking tasks.

    We know that this fire pit is injected with a grate, that is why this is an ideal option to complete your cooking job.

    These copper fire pits manage to offer extended functionality to the user.

    For outdoor cooking times, this is a suggested fire pit model for you.

    It can grill hot dogs for you and roast all sorts of steaks.

    Using a Copper Fire Pit as a Decoration Piece:

    Most individuals love using these copper fire pits as decoration pieces.

    As these pits are injected with antique finishing, for the reason that we have suggested you make an accenting use of them!

    These kinds of pits are marked as great focal points and can easily be transformed from a cooking utensil to a decoration piece.

    Use This Copper Fire Pit During Camping:

    Lastly, the best use offered by these fire pits is to avail them during camping times.

    This is a great and exceptional fireplace that you can take during camping.

    These pits are lightweight and work better during camping as compared to using stone pits.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is the best portable fire pit?

    The Solo Stove is in my opinion the best portable fire pit.

    Even though it is wood-burning it outperformed other portable propane gas fire pits. 

    How much is a bonfire pit?

    The cost of a bonfire pit can vary depending on if it is made to order, which involves additional labor costs, or a prebuilt one is ordered.

    The average cost of a made-to-order bonfire pit is around $700 and pre-made ones start from $300.

    However, bonfire pits are not portable so people buy portable fire pits to use when they go camping or want to have a fire or to cook on the beach. 

    Can you use a fire pit during the burn ban?

    You can use a fire pit during a Stage 1 burn ban if it is your only source of heat, or if the fire pit has been tested and is legally allowed to be used.

    Double-check that your specific model is legal to use as there are heavy fines for anyone caught breaking the ban.

    Extra care needs to be taken to avoid sparks and embers if you are able to burn during a ban. 

    Is 40000 BTU good for a fire pit?

    A BTU of 40000 is good for a fire pit, with some wood burning fire pits having 28000 BTU and some of the portable gas fire pits achieving as much as 58000 BTU 

    How far should a fire pit be from the house?

    The distance that a fire pit should be from the house is largely determined by the type of fuel being used.

    Generally, it is agreed that the safe distance to have a fire pit is between 10 and 20 feet.

    However the further from the house it is, the better. 

    Can you put a portable fire pit on the grass?

    Yes, you can put a portable fire pit on grass provided that there is a stand for it and you use a spark guard.

    Using one without a stand underneath should be avoided as the risk of fire is too high.

    What is the best metal for a portable fire pit?

    The best metal for a portable fire pit is stainless steel because it is strong, light, and not prone to rust if painted or covered properly in between uses.

    Ordinary steel would be too heavy to allow the fire pits to be portable, as it would ideally weigh less than 20 lbs and easily fit into a backpack.

    Do smokeless portable fire pits work?

    Yes, portable gas fire pits as well as some of the portable wood-burning fire pits like the Solo Stove Bonfire are examples of smokeless portable fire pits that do work.

    What is a good size portable fire pit?

    A good size portable fire pit will vary depending on how many need to use it for warmth, or how many people need to be cooked for.

    It is possible to use a mini grill with dimensions of 9 inches by 6.75 inches or to use a fire pit that is 24 inches by 24 inches yet still lightweight.

    In addition, a good size portable fire fit needs to weigh as little as possible with some weighing as little as 2 lbs.

    Can you bring a portable fire pit to the beach?

    Yes, you can bring a portable fire pit to the beach providing you follow sensible safety procedures.

    All you need is an area of the beach that is flat enough for the fire pit to be placed on top of. 

    Related: Tabletop Fire Pit: Top 9 Fire Pits For Your Patio Table

    Conclusion!

    After completing the review process we selected what we considered the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit to be our Editor’s Choice.

    After going through all of our different criteria we decided that the Solo Stove was the best all-around portable fire pit for camping and other outdoor activities.

    Even though it is a wood-burning fire pit we decided that it outperformed other portable gas fire pits.

    Related: Fire Bowl: Top 10 Outdoor Fire Pit Bowls For Your Patio

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